Community Events & Engagement

Melbourne Softball Association hosts events to recognise and support our members and the wider community:

Special Olympics (March)

Melbourne Softball Association, through its members provide a team for the the Special Olympics team to have games prior to their National games. This commitment is indicative of the community support and the spirit and attitude that Melbourne Softball Association strives to attain towards the Melbourne community as a whole and softball in particular. The effort in supporting the Special Olympics is invaluable to the athletes, their families, supporters and softball.

Pink Sports Day (May)

We turn the park pink each year in early May as we fundraise for Breast Cancer Network Australia. This is also an opportunity for our members to remember loved ones lost and to offer support to those currently undergoing treatment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

MSA, through its members and engagement in community activities, has a standing connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Flags are raised at Fawkner Park during the Metro League Season, in recognition of key dates, such as National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC, to pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as raising awareness to contribute towards closing the gap/reconciliation.

National Sorry Day (26 May) acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National Sorry Day provides an opportunity nationwide for all Australians to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June)aims to bringing together all Australians to recognise and share what we have in common; and to work on a greater understanding of the issues that keep us apart. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

At Fawkner Park a social slow pitch game is held with participation from Indigenous community members and members of Melbourne Softball Association and we are grateful to the traditional owners for bestowing our event with a name; Womin-Djerring

NAIDOC (July) celebrations are held around the country to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The MSA commemorates NAIDOC with an Indigenous Round on the first Sunday in July.

Diamond Classic Challenge

(Amaru Day) (Last Sunday in July) – two teams, derived from ​previous the seasons A Division premiers and A Divison All Star team, compete in this highly competitive game. This event is in honour of Layne Amaru, past member of our association.

Australian Corporate Games(mid November)

All softball games are played at Fawkner Park for this event. Melbourne Softball Association facilitates the administration for the softball competition as part of the Australian Corporate Games.

Annual Reunion Luncheon (last Sunday in November)

Since 2011, MSA proudly hosts an annual luncheon, for previous players/technical personnel and administrators who have had connections to softball at Fawkner Park. Each year, this group gathers to renew old friendships and to reminisce over the great times shared in softball. We are fortunate that some generously donate numerous items of invaluable softball memorabilia to our treasured collection. The number of people attending this event has certainly grown over the years.